Universities of Applied Sciences Act (UASA) (FAHG)

22 This Act applies to the state universities of applied sciences (universities) in the Canton of Zurich. It applies to private universities and other institutions of the higher education sector in the Canton, insofar as it expressly so provides.

1 The Canton promotes Swiss and international cooperation in the higher education sector.

2 It may conclude agreements on cooperation and coordination with the Confederation, other cantons, and other public and private law education providers.

22

1 The Canton operates the following state universities of applied sciences and arts

a. Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW),

b. Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK),

c. Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH).

2 The state universities of applied sciences and arts are public law institutions of the Canton with their own legal personality.

3 The Canton may

a. establish further universities of applied sciences and arts,

b. merge or close existing universities of applied sciences and arts,

c. integrate departments or study programmes from other state or private universities or other institutions in the higher education sector into the universities of applied sciences and arts.

Collaboration in Higher Education

Universities of Applied Sciences and Arts

21 1 Functions and Purpose of the Universities of Applied Sciences

1 Universities of Applied Sciences prepare students for professional activities that require the application of scientific knowledge and methods or creative and artistic skills, through practice-oriented courses of study.

2 They supplement their courses of study with continuing education programs.

3 They conduct application-oriented research and development and provide services to third parties.

4 They award titles in accordance with federal law and their study regulations.

**Cooperation**

* * *

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**Universities of Applied Sciences Act (UASA)**

21 Cooperation with other Educational and Research Institutions

Universities cooperate with other domestic and foreign educational and research institutions.

Diversity

21 1 Higher education institutions promote equal opportunities and

diversity.

2 They strive for balanced gender representation in all

functions and bodies.

Freedom and

Responsibility

of Science

11 1 Freedom of teaching and research is guaranteed.

**2 Those who teach or research shall assess the means employed and the potential consequences of scientific work from an ethical perspective and with regard to their possible effects on humans and the environment.**

**3 Universities shall take appropriate precautions.**

**Special Achievements**

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1 Universities may provide special scientific and cultural services for the benefit of the public.

2 They may operate or support social, cultural, and health-promoting facilities, as well as university sports facilities, for their members.

3 The ZHdK may operate or support residential facilities for children and young people in the field of dance, in accordance with § 28 para. 2.

Participations

11 1 Universities of Applied Sciences may participate in legal entities under public and private law and in companies.

2 They may not hold a majority position in the responsible bodies of these legal entities and companies, except in cooperation with other universities of applied sciences.

3 Participation is permissible, in particular, for the exploitation of intellectual property rights or for the implementation of teaching and and research content.

4 Participations must not lead to competitive distortions against private providers.

5 They are subject to approval by the Council of Universities of Applied Sciences.

6 The ordinance regulates the details.

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14 1 The universities shall process data, including personal data Processing

and special categories of personal data, for the performance of

their tasks under this Act, concerning

a. students,

b. participants in continuing education degree programs and

programs,

c. auditors,

d. prospective students.

2 Data according to para. 1 specifically includes information on

a. suitability,

b. performance,

c. conduct.

3 They shall also be processed if a person is not matriculated.

4 The University of Applied Sciences Council shall regulate the details.

14 The Council of the University of Applied Sciences may stipulate retention periods deviating from Article 5, paragraph 2, of the Act on Information and Data Protection of February 12, 20074 for personal data and special categories of personal data in

a. certificates of initial and continuing education,

b. final theses.

Part 2: Organisation

Section 1: Cantonal Council and Government Council

11 1 The Cantonal Council exercises supreme supervision over the universities. Cantonal Council

2 The Cantonal Council

a. decides on the establishment, merger, or closure of state universities,

b. determines the main locations of the universities,

c. approves the global budgets of the universities and other state services,

d.22 approves the annual reports,

e.18 approves the election of the President and the individual members of the University of Applied Sciences Council.

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Government Council

11 1 The Government Council exercises general supervision over the

universities of applied sciences.

a. 2 The Government Council

submits proposals to the Cantonal Council for decisions according to Art. 7 para. 2,

b.18 elects the President and the other members of the University of Applied Sciences Council and determines their remuneration,

c.22 orders admission restrictions,

d.22 makes decisions in the area of private universities of applied sciences in accordance with Arts. 34 f.

Composition

and

Election

Section 2: University of Applied Sciences Council

12 1 The University of Applied Sciences Council consists of the member of the Government Council responsible for education and six to eight individuals from science, culture, industry, social affairs, and politics, elected by the Government Council.

2 The term of office for the elected members is four years. Re-election is possible twice.

3 The following participate in the meetings of the University of Applied Sciences Council with an advisory vote

a. the Rectors of the universities of applied sciences,

b. one representative each from

1. the professors,

2. the teaching and research staff,

3. the assistants,

4. the administrative and technical staff,

5. the students.

c. the Head of the office responsible for the university of applied sciences sector.

4 The Ordinance regulates the composition and election of the representatives.

Function and

Tasks

22 1 The University of Applied Sciences Council is the supreme body of the university sector. It leads the university sector strategically and exercises supervision over the universities.

2 It submits proposals to the Government Council

a. for the determination of the main locations of the universities,

b. for the adoption of the annual reports,

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University of Applied Sciences Act (UASA)

c. for the ordering of admission restrictions,

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d. for decisions concerning private universities in accordance with

§§ 34 f.

3 The organizational law of the Government Council applies to the submission of proposals to the Government Council.

4 The University of Applied Sciences Council

a. approves the strategies of the universities,

b. definitively determines the range of studies at Bachelor's and Master's levels and approves the study programmes,

c. issues the framework regulations for Bachelor's and Master's study programmes, whereby it may stipulate maximum study durations,

d. issues a framework regulation for continuing education study programmes,

e. monitors the system of quality assurance and quality development,

f. adopts the development and financial plans of the universities,

g. determines the organizational units of the universities, in particular the departments, vice-rectorates, and organizational units of equal rank, and approves their regulations,

h. approves the organizational regulations of institutes as well as their establishment or dissolution,

i. decides on the integration of departments or study programmes into the universities in accordance with § 3 para. 3,

j. elects and dismisses the rectors and their deputies for a term of four years,

k. appoints and dismisses the other members of the university administrations,

l. approves the staffing plan of the universities for professorships and appoints and dismisses professors,

m. regulates the cantonal admission requirements,

n. fulfills other tasks in accordance with this Act.

5 Re-election of rectors and their deputies is possible.

6 The University of Applied Sciences Council regulates its organization and the handling of the matters assigned to it.

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Section 3: Rectors' Conference

11 The rectors of the universities form the Rectors' Conference. This conference coordinates matters concerning multiple universities. A representative of the office responsible for the university of applied sciences sector participates in the meetings in an advisory capacity.

Part 3: State Universities

Section 1: Members of the Universities

A. University Staff

Composition

20 1 The university staff consists of

a. professors,

b. teaching and research staff,

c. assistants,

d. administrative and technical staff.

2 The Government Council may create additional staff categories.

3 The Ordinance regulates the tasks, responsibilities, competencies,

interfaces, and transitions of the staff categories according to para. 1

lit. a-c, as well as within para. 1 lit. b.

4 The university staff also includes employees who are privately

employed.

Qualification

positions

Requirements

19 1 For the promotion of young academics, temporary positions

(qualification positions) may be created.

2 Holders of qualification positions belong to the teaching and research

staff or the assistants.

3 Holders of qualification positions for professorships (assistant professors)

belong to the teaching and research staff.

19 1 Professors and teaching and research staff, in addition to a completed university education or an equivalent qualification, must possess professional experience.

2 Professors must possess several years of professional experience, of which at least five years must be relevant practical experience or in an equivalent activity.

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3 The appointing authority may exceptionally waive the requirement of a university degree or professional experience if professional suitability can be demonstrated in another way.

4 Professors and teaching staff must possess methodological-didactic qualifications.

20 1 Duties

Professors and teaching and research staff are responsible for teaching, research and development, continuing education, and services. They participate in organizational tasks.

2 Professors bear primary responsibility for the development of their subject area.

3 Assistants support professors and teaching and research staff in their duties.

4 Administrative and technical staff ensure the operation.

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State employees. The Ordinance may provide for differing provisions insofar as required by the circumstances at the universities.

1 University staff are subject to the personnel law governing the legal status of

2 University staff have a right to participate.

3 The Ordinance may provide for private-law employment.

21 1 Each member of the University Management as well as each professor Disclosure

shall inform the University Management in writing of conflicts of interest

regarding

a. Activities in executive and supervisory bodies of communal, cantonal,

Swiss, and foreign corporations, companies, institutions, and foundations

under private and public law,

b. Permanent management and advisory functions for communal, cantonal,

Swiss, and foreign interest groups,

c. Participation in commissions and other bodies of the Confederation, the

Canton, and the municipalities.

2 Changes must be reported at the beginning of each calendar year. Professional

secrecy remains reserved.

3 The University of Applied Sciences Council regulates the details, in particular

the publication of the information.

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University of Applied Sciences Act (FaHG)

Ancillary

Activities

Rights

to Intellectual

Property

a. Principle

b. Details

12 The Ordinance regulates

a. the obligation to obtain authorization for secondary activities and public offices;

b. the fees for the use of university facilities or personnel for secondary activities.

20 Universities shall promote the development of intangible assets and advocate for their protection. They shall support the commercialization of intellectual property rights.

19 1 Rights to intellectual property, in particular copyright, design, trademark, and patent rights, that are created in the exercise of official duties, belong to the university. Deviating agreements remain reserved. The moral rights of the author remain protected.

2 Insofar as the university generates a profit from the exploitation of intellectual property rights, the university staff involved in their creation must be appropriately remunerated. The ordinance regulates the details.

Admission

B. Students

11 1 Prospective students are admitted to study if they meet the admission requirements under federal law and cantonal law.

2 Aptitude assessments may be conducted as an admission requirement for studies at Bachelor's and Master's levels, as well as for performance areas not attributable to the higher education level. These assessments may be delegated to non-school or out-of-canton bodies.

22 Admission Restrictions

11 1 The Government Council may, upon application by the University of

Applied Sciences Council, order admission restrictions for individual universities of applied sciences

or individual degree programmes, to the extent necessary to ensure

proper study operations.

2 In the case of admission restrictions, the suitability of the prospective students

is generally decisive. Suitability assessments may be transferred

to external or intercantonal bodies.

3 Prospective students may be assigned to another university of applied sciences

for enrolment within the framework of agreements with other educational

providers.

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4 The Government Council may limit the number of foreign students

who, at the time of obtaining their higher education entrance qualification,

had their legal domicile abroad.

5 This regulation applies mutatis mutandis to performance areas that are not

attributable to the higher education level.16

22 1 Duration of Studies

Universities may offer their degree programs in various forms of study. Regarding their orientation and duration of studies, they shall comply with federal law.

2 Students who exceed the maximum duration of studies may be expelled.

11 Disciplinary Regulations

1. This Ordinance regulates disciplinary law.

2. Anyone who seriously or repeatedly violates the disciplinary regulations may be expelled from the university.

11 Student Body Organization

1. Students elect the student council of their higher education institution.

2. The student councils elect the representatives of the students to the university bodies, insofar as statute and regulation provide for such representation.

3. Each student council issues rules of procedure. These are subject to approval by the university administration.

11 1 The Ordinance regulates the rights and obligations of Legal Status

students and auditors.

2 § 16a also applies to students who create intellectual property within the scope of their studies.

2nd Section: Organs of the Universities

12 1 The Rector heads the university of applied sciences. The Rector presides

Rector over the University Executive Board and represents the university externally.

2 The Rector

a. leads the members of the University Executive Board;

b. proposes to the Council of the University of Applied Sciences the appointment of a deputy from among the members of the University Executive Board;

c. makes the final decision when the members of the University Executive Board disagree on proposals to higher authorities;

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Universities of Applied Sciences Act (UASA)

d. proposes the global budget and the annual financial statements and decides on the allocation of funds within the framework of the global budget;

e. is responsible for all matters of the university of applied sciences that are not assigned to any other body.

22 1 The University Management consists of

a. the Rector,

b. the Heads of Departments and Vice-Rectorates,

c. the Administrative Director,

d. the other members in accordance with § 10 para. 4 lit. k.

2 The University Management shall

a. determine the university strategy,

b. issue the university regulations and other significant regulations for

its governance, in particular the department, vice-rectorate, and

institute regulations,

c. issue the study regulations,

d. award Bachelor's and Master's diplomas as well as other diplomas

and titles in accordance with the study regulations,

e. may establish advisory boards,

f. ensure quality assurance,

g. submit the annual report and the development and financial plan to

the University of Applied Sciences Council,

h. coordinate teaching, continuing education, research and development,

as well as services,

i. employ and dismiss personnel and carry out personnel management,

unless these tasks are assigned to another body by law or regulation.

The University Management may wholly or partially delegate these

tasks to individual members of the University Management.

3 The University of Applied Sciences Council shall determine the designations

for the members of the University Management.

22 1 The Heads of Departments and Prorectorates manage their organisational units and represent them externally.

2 They prepare business concerning their organisational unit for the attention of the University Executive Board and take a position on questions that are of fundamental importance to their organisational unit or the university.

University Executive Board

Management of Departments and Prorectorates

University of Applied Sciences Act (FaHG)

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20 1 The University Assembly is composed of delegates from

a. professors,

b. teaching and research staff,

c. assistants,

d. administrative and technical staff,

e. students.

2 The University Assembly takes a position on questions that are of fundamental importance to the University.

3 The University Council regulates the details.

Co-determination

bodies

a. University

Assembly

19 The university management may provide for participation bodies at the department level.

Further

Participation

Bodies

Section 3: Finances

11 Each university shall prepare a Development and Financial Development-

Plan with the objectives and priorities of teaching, research, and and Financial Plan

development as well as further education and services. In doing so,

it is bound by the specifications of the Consolidated Development and Financial Plan

(KEF) of the Government Council.

11 1 The Cantonal Council approves the cost contributions for the operation

of each university with a state-funded global budget.

2 Within the framework of the global budget, the Canton may finance

performance areas of a university that are not attributable to the higher

education level and that serve as preliminary education for design,

music, and dance in vocational education and training. The Directorate

responsible for education regulates the details in a performance agreement

with the university.16

3 The Canton provides the universities with buildings in accordance with

Article 40a of the Law on the Organization of the Government Council

and the Cantonal Administration of June 6, 2005.5

4 The Canton is subsidiarily liable for the obligations of the universities.

11 1 Financial support for universities through third-party funding

Third parties and the provision of services for the benefit of third parties must not endanger the freedom and responsibility of teaching and research.

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Universities of Applied Sciences Act (FaHG)

Fees

2 The ordinance regulates the principles for the use of third-party funds and for the provision of services for the benefit of third parties.

a. Ordinary

Fees

b. Additional

Fee

12 1 The Government Council sets the following fees

a. Enrolment fees from CHF 100 to CHF 200,

b. Semester tuition fees from CHF 600 to CHF 1200,

c. Examination fees from CHF 150 to CHF 500,

d. Fees for aptitude assessments from CHF 600 to CHF 1200.

e.16 Fees for the use of services offered by a university sports facility

from CHF 25 to CHF 100 per semester,

f.16 Fees for preparatory education programs of the ZHdK per academic year

for full-time university level

for part-time university level

for vocational training

CHF 8000 to CHF 14000

proportionally reduced fee

for full-time

CHF 2000 to CHF 3500.

g.21 Fees for residential facilities for children and adolescents per

academic year from CHF 10000 to CHF 40000.

2 The Government Council may adjust the fee ranges to inflation.

3 For students who exceed the standard study period, the Government Council may increase

the tuition and examination fees up to the inter-cantonally determined standard cost rates.

4 The university management may, in special cases, waive the fees

entirely or in part.

17 1 The Government Council requires an additional fee from students whose domicile for scholarship purposes is outside the canton, provided that the respective canton of domicile does not contribute to the costs of the higher education institutions within the framework of an agreement. The amount of the fee may not exceed the contribution rates specified in the agreement.

2 This regulation applies, mutatis mutandis, to foreign students and to graduates of the performance areas pursuant to Section 28 Paragraph 2.

3 The higher education institution's management may, in special cases, waive the fees in whole or in part.

4 The Ordinance regulates the details.

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12 Fees set by the University Executive Board

1 The University Executive Board shall regulate the following in a fee schedule

a. Fees for continuing education courses,

b. Fees for voluntary offerings,

c. Fees for services,

d. Fees for the use of social, cultural, and sports facilities,

e. Other usage fees.

2 The fees according to paragraph 1 shall generally be set at a level that covers costs or is market-appropriate. For scientific, cultural, and similar events, the fee schedule may provide for lower fees or no fees.

3 In special cases, the University Executive Board may waive fees entirely or in part.

11 1 Universities are subject to the Law on Controlling and Financial Accounting of January 9, 2006, and the implementing decrees and accounting regulations of the Governing Council concerning this Law.

2 The Ordinance may provide for deviations therefrom, insofar as the circumstances at the universities require.

Part 4: Private Universities 22

22 1 Recognitions

The Government Council may recognize universities, other institutions of the higher education sector, faculties, or study programs of private sponsoring bodies if they meet a public need and fulfill the requirements for accreditation under federal law.

2 It may agree with private sponsoring bodies that they operate individual faculties or study programs of state universities.

22 1 The Government Council may grant subsidies of up to 80% of the Subsidies

recognized costs to universities recognized under § 34, other institutions

of the higher education sector, departments or study programs, and other

universities with private sponsorship approved by the federal government,

if the educational opportunities are not offered or supported by the canton

or not to a sufficient extent.

2 Financial support may be linked to conditions and requirements.

In particular, this law may be declared partially or entirely applicable to

universities, other institutions of the higher education sector, departments,

or study programs.

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Vocational Universities Act (FaHG)

Part 5: Legal Protection and Title Protection

Legal Remedies

11 1 Directives of the University of Applied Sciences Council may, in accordance

with the Administrative Justice Act of May 24, 19596, be challenged by appeal

to the Administrative Court.13

2 Directives of state universities may be challenged by appeal to the

Appeals Commission of the Zurich Universities. The

Ordinance designates the decisions of private universities that are subject

to appeal to the Appeals Commission.22

3 Decisions regarding the results of examinations and promotions

will be reviewed for violations of law, including violations of procedural

regulations. The plea of unsuitability is excluded.

4 Decisions of the Appeals Commission are subject to appeal to the Administrative

Court in accordance with the Administrative Justice Act.

11 1 A title conferred unlawfully shall be withdrawn by the authority that conferred it.

2 Criminal law provisions concerning the unauthorized use of academic titles remain reserved.

Title Protection22

Transitional Provisions

Acquisition of Universities and the Formation of New Universities

Part 6: Final and Transitional Provisions

3 1 The Government Council shall issue a transitional order for the introduction of this Act.

2 Until the entry into force of the Act on Controlling and Accounting of January 9, 2006, the provisions of the Financial Budget Act of September 2, 19799 and the implementing decrees of the Government Council pertaining to that Act shall apply.

3 1 The Government Council is authorised to operate the following universities

of applied sciences, in whole or in part, as state universities of applied sciences or to conclude

agreements in accordance with Art. 34

para. 2 with the sponsoring bodies of these universities of applied sciences

a. Hochschule für Angewandte Psychologie Zürich (Zurich University of Applied Psychology),

b. Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit (University of Applied Sciences in Social Work),

c. Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Verwaltung Zürich (Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Engineering, Economics, and Administration),

d. Hochschule Wädenswil (Wädenswil University of Applied Sciences),

e. Hochschule für Musik und Theater Zürich (Zurich University of Music and Theatre).

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2 The Government Council is authorised to merge the universities of applied sciences according to para. 1

lit. a, b and d with the Zürcher Hochschule Winterthur (Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur) under the name

Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (Zurich University of Applied Sciences).

3 The Government Council is authorised to merge the Hochschule für Musik und

Theater Zürich (Zurich University of Music and Theatre) with the Hochschule für Gestaltung und Kunst (University of Applied Sciences in Design and Art) under

the name Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (Zurich University of the Arts).

12 The Fachhochschule Act of September 27, 1998 is repealed.

a. The Act on the University of Teacher Education (PHG) of October

25, 19997: ...10

b. The University Act (UniG) of March 15, 19988: . . .10

c. The Administrative Justice Act of May 24, 19596: . . .10

Amendment of

previous law

Amendment of

previous law

1 OS 62, 189.

2 ABI 2006, 268.

3 §§ 38 and 39 in force since June 1, 2007 (OS 62, 203).

4 LS 170.4.

5 LS 172.1.

6 LS 175.2.

7 LS 414.41.

8 LS 415.11.

9 LS 611.

10 For text, see OS 62, 189.

11 In force since August 1, 2007 (OS 62, 271).

12 In force since January 1, 2008 (OS 62, 271).

13 Version according to the Act on the Adaptation of Cantonal Administrative

Procedure Law of March 22, 2010 (OS 65, 390; ABI 2009, 801). In force since July

1, 2010.

14 Inserted by the Act on the Adaptation of Legislation in the Area of the Department of

Education to the Act on Information and Data Protection of

August 24, 2015 (OS 71, 9; ABI 2014-11-14). In force since January 1, 2017 (OS

71, 463; ABI 2016-10-14).

15 Version according to the Act on the Organization of the Government Council and the Cantonal

Administration of November 2, 2015 (OS 71, 153; ABI 2015-03-27). In

force since January 1, 2018.

16 Inserted by Act of October 22, 2018 (OS 75, 109; ABI 2017-11-24). In

force since August 1, 2020.

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17 Version according to Act of October 22, 2018 (OS 75, 109; ABI 2017-11-24). In force

since August 1, 2020.

18 Version according to Act of June 13, 2022 (OS 77, 468; AB1 2021-09-24). In force

since November 1, 2022.

19 Inserted by Act of February 22, 2021 (OS 77, 470; ABI 2020-01-17). In force

since August 1, 2024.

20 Version according to Act of February 22, 2021 (OS 77, 470; ABI 2020-01-17). In force

since August 1, 2024.

21 Inserted by Act of November 13, 2023 (OS 79, 227; ABI 2021-09-24). In

force since August 1, 2024.

22 Version according to Act of November 13, 2023 (OS 79, 227; ABI 2021-09-24). In

force since August 1, 2024.

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